Influx potential and sequestration of CO2 in Cement based material towards establishing a proactive measure for combatting structural deformations

Abstract

The effect of carbon dioxide sequestration by Sandcrete structures was investigated as a means of reducing CO2 emissions. Experiments were conducted to determine the concentration of trioxocarbonate IV (CO3 2-) in sandcrete samples as well as its effect on soil pH. The results showed that the presence of CO3 2 - in sandcrete samples evidenced the process of carbonation in sandcrete structures and other cement-based material which provides an alternative means of CO2 Sequestration. Also, the concentration of CO3 2 - varied along heights and horizontal distance within sections of the sandcrete structure. The acidic nature of the soil close to some sections of the sandcrete structure experienced varying pHs of 6.14 - 6.35 which gave room for enhanced leaching which seriously undermines the strength of the sandcrete structure. The percentage concentration differential in the horizontal and vertical directions, were found to vary widely from 5-46%. This constitutes a potential danger i.e. cracking and possible collapse of the structure. The results of calculated diffusivity values and concentration gradients of the carbonate ion conformed with results obtained using a predictive model which helped in monitoring the migration patterns of CO3 2 - in the sandcrete structure.